ABOUT THE ORGANISATION
Brief History
The Tobago Drama Guild (TTDG) was founded in 1999 through a partnership between THABITI formerly known as Peter Smart, and Cherryll Uzoruo, former director and founder of ‘The Signal Hill Players’, the Signal Hill Secondary Comprehensive School’s Drama group. The first TTDG initiative was a project commissioned by George Stanley Beard, then Secretary for Tour
ism in the Tobago House of Assembly, to explore solutions for problem-solving and responsible civic behaviour. The project revealed the youth knowledge gap in theatre and necessitated implementing structures like workshops and consultations to facilitate their development. The project evolved into a one-hour youth-targeted film Portraits of Life After School that brought together some of Tobago’s best talents including school teachers, students, theatre practitioners and patrons of the arts. The film frequently aired on Tobago Channel 5 from 2000 to present and has been shown on the NCC Channel. The training and rehearsal space, The Guild House, has recently been upgraded to a mini theatre with a seventy-five to eighty seating capacity. The University of the West Indies used the Guild House to train its Doctoral candidates in Cultural studies in 2019. The Guild House is a constant hub of activity and a sanctuary for many youths. Since its founding, all of its youth members have completed certificate courses in CXC/CSEC and CAPE Theatre Arts & UWI Theatre in Education. Four members have graduated with Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Theatre, and three others are currently enrolled in the UWI and UTT BA programmes. TTDG is committed to the holistic growth and development of the youth and will continue to guide, engage, and promote theatre in Tobago and Trinidad. Purpose/Focal Area
Theatre performance and training, youth development and exposure of performers and persons in related theatrical activities
Vision
The Tobago Drama Guild will accomplish its mandate to create an accomplished group of disciplined, respectful, loyal, civic-minded, and passionate representatives of Tobago’s best in the core areas of Theatre Arts: Music, Dance, Drama and Technical Theatre, educated in and through the arts. Thereby opportunities will be provided to hone and showcase our talents to reach, educate and serve the people of Tobago foremost, the nation, the Caribbean and the world. Mission
• To train and encourage youth certification in the arts.
• To promote The Tobago Drama Guild through strengthening its non-
professional, community-based arts and culture image.
• To facilitate high-quality, affordable performing arts activities in a
supportive environment.
• To highlight, develop and maintain a positive public environment that
supports community and civic pride through the performing arts. Motto
"Excellence through creativity"
